Acheampong then should have gone down to earn a penalty after Valencia’s clumsy challenge but United got away with it and weathered the storm by pushing forward to threaten a second goal.

Mkhitaryan went close when his volley from Matteo Darmain’s cross drifted just wide. Then Lingard’s powerful shot was saved by Ruben.

Back came Anderlecht and Ivan Obradovic fired wide, Eric Bailly made a vital block on the ever-dangerous Tielemans and Darmian made a great tackle on the same player as the Belgians kept United on their toes to the end.

Rashford, boosted by ending his Premier League goal drought at Sunderland on Sunday, was a constant threat for United. Obradovic picked up a caution after resorting to a scything challenge to stop the youngster as United tried to hold firm.

Predictably, Marouane Fellaini, who used to play for Anderlecht’s fierce rivals Standard Liege, received fierce abuse when he came on for Rashford.

And four minutes from time Dendoncker pounced to head in Obradovic’s centre and make it 1-1, moments after Pogba had missed a good chance.